**Reconceptualizing Physician Resilience for Genuine Well-being**
The Stanford framework of physician professional satisfaction positions personal resilience as a fundamental element of physician well-being. However, this emphasis on resilience is not always perceived positively by the physicians themselves. In numerous instances, resilience training programs are met with disappointment and opposition, as these initiatives often fail to align with the realities of medical practice.
A significant issue is the broad interpretation of resilience, which highlights the capability to adapt to change without necessarily addressing well-being. Physicians might display resilience in their roles, yet still encounter burnout and mental health challenges. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous physicians were resilient but confronted elevated levels of stress and trauma.
Another complication is the incorrect correlation of resilience with productivity. In the healthcare sector, resilience can be misconstrued as merely exerting more effort and making greater sacrifices. This “productivity resilience” may assist physicians in navigating immediate hurdles but can ultimately undermine their long-term well-being.
Moreover, the focus on individual resilience neglects the broader systemic factors influencing physician well-being. This individualistic perspective imposes excessive expectations on physicians to tackle systemic problems independently, disregarding the value of external support and resources.
To tackle these challenges, we must reconceptualize resilience as an ecosystem model. This framework acknowledges the interaction between personal efforts and external supports. Physicians require strong internal coping strategies, but they also need nurturing environments, resources, and policies that foster sustainability and avert burnout.
Authentic resilience in healthcare entails a collaborative effort, acknowledging that well-being is not solely an individual obligation, but a shared venture. By adopting an interconnected and sustainable model of resilience, we can better support physicians, ensuring that well-being is a core component of resilience initiatives.